Two OSU professors receive Regents' teaching, research awards

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

An anatomy professor and a researcher studying pain relief are the recipients of this year’s Regents’ 2007 Distinguished Teaching Award and Regents’ 2007 Distinguished Research Award at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences.

Dr. William D. Meek, professor of anatomy, received the Regents’ 2007 Distinguished Teaching Award. The award is given for unusually significant and meritorious achievement in the instruction of students as evidenced by quality classroom learning experience, high scholarly standards, direct impact upon and involvement with students, and serving as a mentor or role model to other faculty. Meek is vice-chair of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology.

Dr. Kenneth E. Miller, associate professor of anatomy and cell biology, received the Regents’ 2007 Distinguished Research Award for outstanding and meritorious achievements in research, a distinguished record of past and continuing excellence in research, and recognition nationally and internationally.

Much of Miller’s research career has revolved around pain and spinal cord injury, particularly regarding glutamate metabolism. His research discovered that sensory nerve endings during chronic inflammation have immense amounts of glutamate. Blocking glutamate production in these nerve endings provides for long-lasting pain relief.